EARLY DAYS OF OFFICE LIFE: SHAPING SOCIETY AND PROGRESS

Archaeologists in the future will have a pretty easy time working out what matters to us today. The Egyptians had their pyramids, the Romans had aqueducts, Victorians their railways. What we've got, especially in the western part of our glob, is the office era. We might not realize it, but the impact of the office culture is huge, affecting nearly every aspect of western lives and societies. Within a timeframe of 100 years, offices have been catalysts for technological advancements, have shaped our living environments, fueled economies, and transformed the middle class in the Western world. Most importantly: the office is where a lot of people spend most of their time. It's practically where they live. Chances are likely that you, or someone in our family, have worked in an office, contributing to the wealth and lifestyle we enjoy today - from the wealth to the technological tools. But the office itself seems to have no history. We all just seem to accept the way we work now. But why, how did we get here? And should we still define our societies in the future?

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Essentially, the office as we know it was ‘invented’ to solve a problem: a space designed to accommodate people, facilitate communication, and provide access to vital documents, all in the name of progress. It's not just about the physical location: it's about the action, the productivity, the collaboration and most importantly: where you put your mind at work for that. It's where you can sit down, organize, strategize, think, tune into a task and work on plans - whether surrounded by colleagues or just your own thoughts. Though, setting plans in motion is not new. That happened through history all the time. This is why we can explore in depth when discussing the concept of an office. The term itself springs from the Latin ‘officium’, hinting at something akin to ‘bureau’. Ancient Rome had its very own business district where hundreds of ‘employees’ managed the conquest of the Roman Empire and more. Where else did Romans pioneer roads, concrete, aqueducts, newspapers, sewers, and all those other innovations we still benefit from today?

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On that definition, we can also state that offices have been around since the 1500s and 1600s, back when the first capitalist ventures took shape. Take the United East India Company as a prime example. This chartered trading and the first joint-stock company in the world, trading company managing long distance trade with Asia, knew a very large and complex bureaucracy. Decisions on activities happening on the other side of the world had to be done somewhere - Amsterdam is full of amazing architectural spaces dedicated to it. While it might not have been called an office back then, it pretty much fits the bill as early examples. But the actual concept of the "office" as we know it today came in way later. It started to emerge in the late 19th century, influenced by the Industrial Revolution and the rise of early capitalism.  It was the first time in history people started to think about how to organize work in itself, since this period marked a significant shift in human progress and the nature of work, transitioning from the tranquility of farm fields to the bustling environment of factories. Thus, the office was born—a space designed to facilitate the coordination of the myriad tasks required in this new era of industry.

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Early office settings were tough. Typically overcrowded, employees spending long hours at closely packed desks, no airconditioning or daylight. The aim of its design was straightforward: maximize productivity within the limited available space. As urban land became more expensive and bulky technological innovations—such as electric lighting, telegraphs, telephones, typewriters, and calculators—became indispensable, efficient use of space became crucial. The invention of steel frame construction paired with the advent of elevators was a game-changer in the architectural world, paving the way for an entirely new kind of structure: the skyscraper. For the first time in human history, cities could grow upwards instead of outwards, transforming urban landscapes and altering urban skylines worldwide. Yet, despite such conditions, everyone wanted to be in the office. Landing an office job, often symbolized by wearing a 'power suit,' became a big dream for many. They were seen not merely as employment but as a badge of professionalism and a testament to one's place in the social hierarchy. Getting an office job meant you were doing well, had a good education, and knew about new technologies that many people hadn't even heard of yet. Bright futures ahead, even though it meant spending your days in cramped spaces, working long hours, navigating the complexities of office politics, adapting to evolving technologies, and often sacrificing personal time for professional advancement.

A NEW MIDDLE CLASS

Picture this: It's the early 1950s, and a young clerk named Helen steps into her office—a space markedly different from the cramped, row-filled rooms of her predecessors. As Helen navigates her day, surrounded by the hum of conversation and the ring of telephones and the click-clack of typewriters—technological marvels of the age—she participates in a larger societal shift. Helen thanks here presence at the office to the postwar II period of reconstruction was initiated, marking a time when economies where rejuvenating. An increasing number of companies began to establish headquarters in big cities, positioning them as the core of their operations. This drew people from diverse backgrounds into a new, bustling way of life centered around cities.  

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As office culture spread globally, it transformed urban landscapes and influenced city planning and architecture worldwide, primarily in major Western urban centers like New York, London, and later Tokyo, reshaped not just work but also the very fabric of our cities. Offices, once exclusive to a privileged few, became ubiquitous, deeply ingrained in society. This gave rise to a new middle class, revolutionizing the rhythm of everyday life. The introduction of the '9 to 5' working model reshaped lifestyles, establishing a clear boundary between work and personal time that influenced social patterns. Families organized their schedules around office hours, leading to phenomena like rush hour and placing greater value on structured leisure time. Moreover, the office landscape became more gender-diverse, as the increasing presence of women in the workforce prompted changes in office dynamics and policies.

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The office developed an often-overlooked aspect: its role in shaping social interactions. As Helen and her fellow officers worldwide poured over forty hours each week into the fabric of their office life, it metamorphosed into a spot where they could collaborate, socialize, and express their personal style. Communal areas, such as coffee corners and break rooms, emerged as vital spaces of relaxation and informal conversation, fostering a sense of community among coworkers. Popular series like "The Office" played a pivotal role in this era, humorously shedding light on the social dynamics and routine happenings of office environments. Work events and professional gatherings evolved to include social networking, making office culture a well-rounded experience that balanced financial achievements with strong company culture. In the meantime, the Germans saved the day in 1960 with the development of the Bürolandschaft, which translates to ‘office landscape’. More windows were fitted to increase natural light and staff were seated so they could more easily move around the office. Also, a new ‘socially democratic’ workplace was on the rise, thanks to the likes of Germany, the Netherlands and Scandinavia. In those countries, authoritative workers’ councils fought for better, healthier working conditions for their employees - which translated itself into a more friendly atmosphere in the office.

CUBICLES IN THE 80S AND 90S

^‍The 80s and 90s were magical years for office culture evolvements as technological advancement reshaped office culture in profound ways. Employees witnessed innovations that were beyond anyone's imagination during their childhood. Imagine the excitement as colleagues gathered around to witness the magic of the first mobile phone hitting the market in 1985. Suddenly, communication wasn't confined to the office walls anymore: it was on the go, breaking barriers and fostering connectivity. With the advent of PowerPoint in 1987, teams could now dazzle with dynamic visuals, revolutionizing how ideas were communicated and collaborations were sparked. And let's not forget the game-changing debut of the Apple Mac computer in 1984. Overnight, creativity soared as employees embraced the power of personal computing, transforming the way work was done, reflecting the dynamic changes happening in the world of technology and business.

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This period where the rise of corporate giants reshaped office culture, elevating it to a symbol of success and power. Skyscrapers became iconic representations of corporate dominance, with areas like Wall Street and Canary Wharf epitomizing corporate ambition. However, despite the impressive exteriors, the actual workspaces inside often were amazingly uninspiring. This was due to the widespread adoption of an office design ideology known as The Cube Farm, which gained traction in the 1970s. The implementation of The Cube Farm was exactly how it sounds: a farm of cheap and effective modular walls led to a landscape of cubicles in one officefloor. This gave employees the illusion of their own space. Especially when women stepped into the office, the idea rose that work had to be done in private space, completely separated from colleagues. The rise of cubicles also catered to the increasing number of middle managers in companies—employees deemed too important for just a desk, yet not significant enough for their own office or window seat. However, over time, the original intention behind this office design was lost. Companies began adopting cubicles simply because they were cost-effective and allowed for more employees to be accommodated in a single space. Unfortunately, once the trend caught on, it spread globally, resulting in nearly two decades of staff feeling confined within fabric-covered walls.

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Amidst this cubical monotony, a new sense of individuality emerged as employees began to redefine office fashion, transforming mundane dress codes into expressions of personality and style. Office fashion emerged not just as a code to be adhered to, but as a discipline of fashion in itself. Office design and decor also gained importance, with stylish interiors, art, and comfortable lounges becoming staples in workspaces. This evolution reflected a broader shift towards a more well-rounded approach in office culture, where fostering a strong company culture was just as vital as achieving financial success.

‍THE TECH REVOLUTION

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From the clunky computers of the 1980s, so massive they could've had their own postal code yet held less data than today's thumb drives, to the transformative digital age of the 21st century. The new millennium brought about a technological revolution that reshaped the workplace and our lifestyles. With the introduction of compact digital devices, the internet, email, and mobile technology, the way we work, communicate, and manage our professional lives underwent a profound shift. Laptops, mobile phones, WiFi – no more cables, no more being tethered to a desk. Office culture became more mobile, more fluid, blurring the lines between work and personal life. The essence of office culture seamlessly merged into our daily routines, reflecting the evolving nature of our interconnected world.

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Also, generation X began to enter the workplace. Generation X had a clear mission: to completely dismantle the stiff formality of office culture that had prevailed from the 1960s to the 1990s. The Cube Farm era had been traumatizing. It sparked discussions around privacy versus productivity in these settings, incorporating innovative software and health initiatives, thereby revolutionizing our approach to work efficiency and the well-being of employees. Companies got the memo: the modern employee had to be "happy at work". A more 'relaxed' and 'hip' office culture started to take root. ‘Hot-desking’ and ‘co-working’ became buzzwords during the turn of the century as people sought out new definitions for how to work. Silicon Valley led this change, swapping formal suits for jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers, symbolizing a shift from traditionalism to innovation. Workspaces transformed to reflect this ethos. Cooler, hipper companies desiring funky, colorful offices with open-plan offices championed by leaders like Steve Jobs becoming widespread. Plants made their debut in the office for the first time, accompanied by the arrival of pinball machines, beanbags, table tennis tables, and dartboards. These environments were designed to encourage teamwork and the free exchange of ideas, breaking down old hierarchical divisions and fostering a more dynamic, inclusive, and healthy office culture.

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Some Generation X'ers took their criticism to the extreme. Because, was life really meant to be spent within the confines of concrete walls for over 40 hours a week? As the 2000s progressed, a counter-culture began to bubble up, particularly among the younger workforce, challenging this norm. This group began questioning the traditional office routine, seeing it as a constraint on creativity and autonomy. This resistance was not just against the physical office space but challenged the notion that office work was the ultimate career goal. It sparked a desire for more fulfilling, flexible work arrangements, foreshadowing the later shift towards remote and flexible work cultures and redefining professional success with the dawn of the 21st century.